SJ0062eng 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

09800SJ0062 Engrossed LRB098 19385 GRL 55453 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 62

(As Amended by Senate Amendment Nos. 1 & 7)

WHEREAS, Emergency responders are constantly placed in danger while performing their duties, both from the dangerous conditions of their work and the hazardous locations where incidents occur; and

WHEREAS, On March 5, 2013, Hudson Community Fire Protection District volunteer firefighter Chris Brown was struck and killed by a motorist while working at the scene of a motor vehicle collision; and

WHEREAS, On October 30, 2013, Pontiac Police Department K9 Officer Casey Kohlmeier was struck and killed by a drunk driver while performing his duties on Interstate 55; and

WHEREAS, Many other emergency responders have been killed, injured, or placed in needless danger by similar incidents; and

WHEREAS, More comprehensive solutions are required to ensure that emergency responders are able to safely perform the vital duties they carry out for the citizens of our State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that there is created the Emergency Responder Roadway Safety Task Force to identify and recommend ways that the State of Illinois can increase the safety of emergency responders while they perform their duties; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall consist of the following members: one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; one member appointed by the President of the Senate; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; 2 members appointed by the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, one of which must be currently employed as a highway maintainer with the Illinois Department of Transportation; one member appointed by the Director of the Illinois State Police; one police officer from a county with a population of less than 60,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents law enforcement; one police officer from a county with a population between 60,000 and 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents law enforcement; one police officer from a county with a population of more than 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents law enforcement; one firefighter from a county with a population of less than 60,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents firefighters; one firefighter from a county with a population between 60,000 and 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents firefighters; one firefighter from a county with a population of more than 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents firefighters; one emergency medical services personnel from a county with a population of less than 60,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents emergency medical services personnel; one emergency medical services personnel from a county with a population between 60,000 and 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents emergency medical services personnel; one emergency medical services personnel from a county with a population of more than 1,000,000 citizens appointed by an association that represents emergency medical services personnel; one member appointed by the Executive Director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority; and one member appointed by the Professional Towing and Recovery Operators of Illinois; the members of the Task Force shall select a chairperson at the initial meeting; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois State Police shall provide administrative and other support to the Task Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of the Task Force shall serve without compensation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Task Force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than January 1, 2015.